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HIV/AIDS Awareness for Pastors
Under the theme "Go Light Your Candle," the Health Ministries department of
the Bahamas 
Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists hosted a special HIV/AIDS Awareness Seminar for
pastors, at the Hillview Church, April 12 - 13, 2005. The presenters included
Dr. Eli Honore, Health Ministries Director of the Inter-American Division, Dr.
Wendell R. McMillan, Health Ministries Director of West Indies Union, and
several knowledgeable persons from the local community. Coordinated by pastor
Paul Scavella, the Seminar was a great success. The pastors who were in
attendance are now more aware of the HIV/AIDS problem in the Bahamas and are
better equipped to minister to persons living with AIDS (PLWA).
It was sobering to learn that from 1983 to 2003, a total of 9,593 cases of
HIV infections have been reported in the Bahamas. Of this number 5,098 were
HIV positive and 4,495 were cases of AIDS. Over 3,240 of the persons with AIDS
have died. The tragedy of this is that these are young people between the ages
of 20 - 44 years.
Although there is no cure for this terrible disease, the good news is that
HIV/AIDS is preventable. Good choices and responsible behaviour will lessen
your chances of acquiring HIV/AIDS. The following was taken from a sermon
outline by Dr. Eli Honore:
What is HIV and what is AIDS? HIV is a virus called Human Immunodeficiency
Virus which enters the blood through specific ways such as sexual intercourse,
infected syringes and needles mostly used by intravenous drug users, and
contaminated blood products. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her
unborn child or through breast feeding. Once in the body, the virus quickly
affects the immune system and exposes it to various kinds of infection, which
will eventually overwhelm the body and kill the defenseless patient. HIV
infected people will carry the virus for a given period of time without
showing any symptoms. The AIDS disease or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrom
develops at the last stage. However, through good nutrition, a positive
attitude, a supportive community and some antiviral medication, patients can
live a productive life.
Because of the association of HIV/AIDS with promiscuous sexual behaviour,
same sex intercourse, society and churches in particular, tend to reject
anyone with the infection. So when someone is HIV positive, the person is
automatically categorized as guilty of immoral behaviour, excluded,
stigmatized and often discriminated against.
This reminds us of the way persons with leprosy were treated in Bible
times. Leprosy was regarded as God's punishment for sin. In Ministry of
Healing we read: "Of all the diseases known in the East, leprosy was the most
dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon
its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a
judgment on account of sin, and hence was called 'the stroke.'"
No matter how the public may regard these unfortunate souls, the duty of
the Church is to treat them with compassion. First and foremost we should
advocate and support strong preventive programmes in the church as well as in
the various communities. The nature of the transmission route of HIV/AIDS
obligates us to promote prevention in harmony with our beliefs, principles and
lifestyle.
However, it is interesting to note how Jesus dealt with the lepers. He
never turned away any of them, but He always opened His heart and arms to
them. Therefore, for this reason, and knowing that prevention is not always
practiced and followed, and because we are God's Church, we must be
intentionally involved in the battle against HIV/AIDS and try to improve the
quality of life for those that develop the disease.
It must be noted that the church has remained silent during the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. But we have come to realize that silence encourages stigma and
discrimination. Our Christian faith calls us to break the silence and
challenge all underlying stigma and discrimination. Stigma hurts, kills; it
prevents people living with AIDS from receiving the love, the care, and the
treatment they need, and also prevents everyone else in the family and
community from being fully human. Fear, denial, shame and blame dominate the
mind. Even when families, neighbours, and medical staff are taking care of the
sick, and pastors are preaching compassion and love, they may still think,
believe and say: " this is God's punishment, he or she deserves it." These
contradictions exists, but can and must be changed. Such change must start
with everyone individually.We need to ask ourselves individually questions
such as: (a) What do I think about HIV/AIDS and people living with the
disease? (b) What do I think about people who contracted the disease through
sex versus people who got it through blood transfusion? (c) How would I react
if a close friend discloses to me that he or she is infected with HIV? (d)
Would I eat the food he/she prepares, or let him/her hold my baby? (e) as an
employer, do I discriminate against employees with HIV/AIDS?
To become a welcoming community to people living with HIV/AIDS, the church
must become knowledgeable about HIVAIDS. The various departments of the
church, especially the youth, must create awareness activities to inform,
educate and encourage church members and persons in the community to exercise
prevention and avoid discrimination and stigma. Also, we should involve the
people living with HIVAIDS in prevention drives and faith building spiritual
activities. This will help them to be active and productive, in spite of their
condition.
In spite of the restrictions placed upon the lepers, they were motivated by
the hope of being healed by Jesus. So they got close to Him and requested Him
to heal them. Jesus reached out with love and gave them a healing touch.
Today, we are the hands of Jesus to the HIV/AIDS sufferers. We must offer
them hope, a loving touch and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Let us follow
the example of Jesus and through our loving acceptance and ministry of genuine
compassion restore the people living with HIV/AIDS to our fellowship and
society. Editor
Stewardship Bible Institute The West Indies Union and the
Inter-American Division Stewardship Bible Institute continues today and
tomorrow at Workers House.
Accreditation Team VisitsB A Elementary Division A team of educators
appointed to evaluate the Bahamas Academy Elementary Division and make
recommendations regarding its accreditation visited the school on Thursday,
April 7, 2005. After examining the Self-study document, interviewing
administrators and other personnel and observing the entire operation of the
school, the team recommended to the West Indies Union Board of Education that
BA Elementary Division be accredited for the next five years (2005-2010).
Members of the accreditation team included Dr. John Carey, Chairman; Dr.
Cheryl Rolle, Secretary; Pastor Errol Thomas; Mr. Milton Lewis, and Dr.
Virginia Romer. The Team commended the administration and staff for their
contribution to the educational programme at Bahamas Academy Elementary. The
Principal of Bahamas Academy is Mrs. Lynn Smith, and Mrs. Celestine Creighton
is the Vice Principal responsible for the Elementary Division.
Volunteer Bahamas Adventist (VBA) is on the Move VBA has started
construction at the Marshall Road Secondary School site! All licensed
electricians, plumbers and contractors are invited to attend a special meeting
tomorrow, Sunday, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. at the Early Learning Centre Building,
Old Trail Road.
Registered VBA members and unregistered persons are requested to attend
this planning session. -Winston Ash, President, VBA
Farewell Concert in Honour of Audery Dean-Wright The Mesistersingers
will host two evenings of farewell concert in honour of Mrs. Audery
Dean-Wright, President and Choir Director emeritus of the group, on the
ocassion of her leave for overseas mission to Cuba. The concerts will be held
at Government House Ballroon on April 23 and 24, 2005. Special guest artist
(doctoral canadidate) Angelique Clay from Oakwood College will be featured.
Additionally, the Mesistersingers will pay special tribute to Eurydice
Osterman, professor at Oakwood College, on the final night’s concert.
Tickets will be available from the Bahamas Conference headquarters and
group members. Proceeds from these concerts will help to defray the group’s
travel to the General Conference and Bahamas Academy New Building.
Pre-Mothers Day Luncheon The Hillview SDA Men are sponsoring a
Pre-Mothers Day Luncheon at Breezes Hotel at 1:00 p.m. on May 1st.
Tickets are available from all Hillview Church Unit Leaders and Sis.
Mary-Ellen Knott at the Conference office.
Pre-mothers Day Women’s Ministries Boat Cruise Coming Soon Coming May
7, 2005, the Women’s Ministries department will host a pre-mothers day boat
cruise on board the largest of the Calypaso boats. Plan now to get your
tickets from your local WM Leader. The boat will depart Prince George Wharf at
8:30 p.m.
Women’s Ministries to Meet All Women’s Ministries Leaders and their
assistants are requested to meet on Tuesday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the
Conference Office. Sis. Miriam Knowles is asking all concerned to make a
special effort to attend this planning session.
Adventist Educators' Association Meeting All Adventist educational
professionals (teachers, counselors, and administrators) are asked to attend
the final meeting for the 2004-2005 school year on Saturday, April 30 at
Doctors Hospital at 8:30 P.M. Come and celebrate the miracles God performed
just for you in your classrooms and offices. At this time we will also share
the names of the persons for whom we have been praying this school year. Don't
miss this time of THANKSGIVING, PRAISE, and FELLOWSHIP! -Public Relations
Department
Publishing Seminar A seminar for colporteurs (Part-time and Full-time)
will be conducted April 29 and 30 at the Maranatha Church. Students who plan
to engage in the literature ministry this summer should also attend. Watch
next week's Logos for the seminar schedule.
Vegetarian Cook Class at Centreville On April 24th from 8:00
a.m. to noon the Centreville Church will host a vegetarian cooking class on
how to prepare quick, nutritious and delicious dishes. Press for time? Then
this cooking class is for you! Call 341-3229 for more information -Dawnette
Been
Wholestic Lifestyle Coming soon to New Providence is Wholestic
Lifestyle a clinic specializing in Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics). Call
325-6173 or 323-0610 for additional information on how you can benefit from
this highly recommended health program.
Health Ministries The Health Ministries Department presents "A Child
Abuse Seminar" during Child Protection Month, April 2005, under the theme
"Safe Children, Healthy Family are a Shared Responsibility." at the Parkgate
SDA Church, Parkgate Road (between Village and Kemp Roads), at 4:30 p.m.
today, April 16. Guest speakers are Dr. Homer Bloomfield, Obsetetrican,
Gynecologist, Public Hospital Authority, Dr. Novea Carter-Higgs, Psycologist,
Ministry of Education and Mr. Edmond Turner, Legal Counsel, Attorney, Attorney
General Office and other members of the scan team. All churches are invited to
attend.
Youth Weekend at Living Faith Church Living Faith Youth Department
invites you to attend its youth weekend under the theme "Reunited And It's So
Good" April 22 - April 23 at Living Faith SDA Church. Guest speaker Pastor Dr.
Rupert Bushner of Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Friday night 7:00pm, Sabbath 9:15,
11:00am and 6:30pm. - T. Roberts
Maranatha Celebrates Women’s Ministries Month The Women’s Ministries
Department of the Maranatha Church is hosting a month of activities at the
church on Prince Charles Drive. Gifted guest speakers and presenters provide
informative lectures and dymanic sermons. Meetings are held on Sabbaths at
11:00 a.m., Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. during the
entire month of April. Come, bring your family and be blessed. -Gia
Stubbs
Thank You Note The Children’s Ministries department of Maranatha
Church, the Crew and Cast of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus production
along with all persons who came and supported this event thank you. We hope
that you’d support our next venture. -Tomiko Davis
Adventist Men’s Chorale to Meet All Adventist men are invited to
Chorale practice on Sunday, April 17, at 9:00 a.m. at the Living Faith Church.
An Evening of Sacred Music An evening of sacred music featuring Allison
Mason, guest artists Keson Tinker and Friends-4-Life will be held this
evening Saturday, April 16 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 8:00.
Artists Ian Antiono and Kendly Darling will host an art display prior to
the concert from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. For tickets kindly call R Smith at 324-6997
and Mable Mason at 341-6637. - A. Mason
Roland Brown G C Group to Meet All persons travelling in the Roland
Brown GC Group are requested to make a special effort to attend tomorrow’s
meeting, Sunday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Important
matters will be discussed along with schedule arrangements.
Hillveiw Church Harmonious Living Seminar Continues The Hillivew SDA
Church Stewardship and Family Life Departments is hosting a Harmonious Living
Seminar for the family. Dr. Rupert Ryan, a certified family life counselor is
the guest presenter. Through the media of visual aids Dr. Ryan is showcasing
and teach problem solving skills, conflict management skills and how families
can stregthen ties. Meetings will continue at 11:00 a.m. and during A Y Hour
today. Meetings will conclude Sunday at 7:00.
Youth Corner A Message from Listen Up and Listen Up Youth Ministries (LYM)
We join in praise to God and celebration with all those who have accepted
the gift of salvation in our recent evangelistic campaigns, and especially all
youth who were baptized. Welcome!
We extend a special invitation for all persons ages 16 - 30 yrs. To join us
at LYM, where youth find new avenues to share the gospel and build
friendships. Upcoming Events: (Places & times TBA)
Sat. April 23 Old School 70's Social (LYM Club Recruitment)
Fri. April 29 LYM Club Forum
Sat. April 30 Butterfly Babes Ladies Night (for young women 16 - 25 yrs)
*All Masterguides-in-training are asked to meet tomorrow, Sunday, April
17 at 7 o’clock the Hillview Church. - Pastor A. Burrows, Youth
Director
Pathfinder Leadership Course All Masterguides in training, Pathfinder
Directors, Assistant Directors and all other interested persons are requested
to attend the Pathfinder Staff Training Course beginning Sunday, April 24 at
7:00 a.m. at the Hillview S.D.A. Church. The course is in conjunction with the
Masterguide Training Classes/A.Y. Leadership Training Classes of 2005.
Pathfinder Band Inspection All Pathfinder Band members are asked to
assemble at Bahamas Academy on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in full uniform for the
annual uniform inspection.
Practice for National Youth Parade All Adventurers, Pathfinders,
Masterguides and A.Y. Leaders are asked to meet at the parking lot on the top
of Fort Charlotte on Thursday, April 21 and next Thursday, April 28 at 6:30
p.m. The National Youth Parade will be held on Sunday, May 1st. Our goal is to
have 1000 Seventh-day Adventist young people on the parade.
Western Region Crusade Team Special thanks is extended to all of the
team members of the Western Region Crusade. Further appreciation will be
expressed upon the return of Evangelist Joseph. - Pastor Andrew Burrows,
Coordernatio WR Crusade
Church Membership Directory Software Training Workshop The above
training workshop for pastors, church clerks, communication leaders and
persons interested will be held Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Conference
Headquarters from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a laptop and call
361-6355 regarding fee.
Hour of Gospel Music at Mary Ingraham Home The Hour of Gospel Music at
the Mary Ingraham Home continues on a weekly basis at 5:00 p.m. The schedule
for today, April 16, will be the Maranatha Church, and next week, the New
Englerston Church.
